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Natural maple is a versatile wood with warm finishes ranging from creamy off-white to light reddish-brown tones. The chosen cabinet finish becomes a dominant color in the room and in combination with the floor color, the wall color and the appliance colors is key in the basic color scheme of the space. Repeat these colors or offer contrasting accents in countertops, backsplashes, cooking equipment and accessories.

Neutral Colors

The warm effect of maple blends with other related neutrals for a clean, sophisticated look. Choose a paint color that is close to the cabinet tone for pleasing unity, especially effective in a small space. A light, warm-white tone on the wall offers a little more contrast with the cabinets but still keeps an airy feeling with adequate light for preparing food. A deep chocolate brown creates more dramatic contrast with the cabinet color and calls attention to the attractive grain and pattern of the wood. One advantage of using a neutral color scheme is that you can easily change the look by introducing different accent colors.

Create Contrast

Complementary colors are across from each other on the basic color wheel. The natural color of maple is some version of reddish-brown, and because the complement of red is green, it is a particularly successful partner for maple cabinets. A medium, slightly grayed tone of green such as sage is a fresh look with a light or medium-toned maple finish. If the cabinets have a slightly orange cast, a softly grayed version of blue provides a scrumptious color statement while highlighting the cabinet color through strong contrast. A deep gray tone offers more dramatic light/dark contrast to balance the reddish cast of maple cabinets.

Warm Neighboring Colors

Surrounding maple cabinets with warmly colored walls creates a glowing, sunshiny space – think Tuscan red, deep yellow or pumpkin orange. Any of these colors combine with the reddish tones of maple to form convivial spaces that encourage social interaction. A warm color scheme promotes hanging out in the kitchen while cooking takes place – it’s especially appropriate for kitchens that have an attached family room gathering space. Light, medium or dark versions of the colors allow control of brightness and tailoring for personal style in the room.

Coordinate Colors

Sometimes floors are overlooked when developing a color scheme, yet the color of the floor influences all other colors in a space. When the floor finish is a dark tone, along with maple cabinets, use a lighter value color on the walls to keep the room from seeming small and closed in. A light floor color looks good with most wall colors except for a color that nearly matches the floor's hue. For medium-toned floors that are lighter or deeper than the color of the maple cabinets, paint a color tone on the walls with a similar value to the floor. That way there is a subtle harmony to the color scheme.

Repeat Colors

Unify the color scheme by repeating the wall color at least three times in kitchen equipment and accessories. Use fabric on windows or chair cushions or in table linens to echo the wall color. If appliance colors do not repeat wall or cabinet tones, select a neutral finish, such as stainless steel, black or traditional white, in a similar value to help these larger surfaces blend into the color scheme.

About the Author

Melanie Aves has more than 30 years writing experience. Aves coauthored four interior design color books, authored a book on Newport Beach, California, wrote newspaper features and currently writes monthly magazine features. She holds a Master of Arts degree, a certificate in interior design, and completed post-graduate studies in journalism.